The Honors Program continues to thrive as it enters its fourth year at TWU and plans on graduating its first cohort this spring.

The Honors Program welcomed in a new class of 18 first-year students in August who were greeted during the program’s back-to-school dinner with a taco bar and trivia competition! The new first-year class is a diverse group with majors ranging from criminal justice to environmental science, a mix of commuters and residential students. What they share is an excitement about learning and a passion for understanding their education as part of the needs of the world. This topic shines in particular in their first Honors experience in the classroom discussing issues of citizenship in a course co-taught by Dr. Seitz and Dr. Murray.

While the new students have adjusted to the program, the seniors have embarked on the completion of their Honors capstone papers in their senior Honors capstone. Students are designing, researching, writing, and presenting on their own research related to the intersection of their majors and questions of the common good. Topics include the AI’s negative effects on human flourishing, corporate greed in the Enron scandal, and the ripple effect of childhood stress on adult anxiety. Dr Thompson, the Honors Program director explains, “The Honors capstone is an exciting opportunity for our seniors to gather together what they have learned throughout their time at TWU and create an interdisciplinary work they are passionate about and that speak to the needs of the world and human responsibility within in.”

While the Honors Program has continued to push students to excel in the classroom, it also thrives on fostering community outside of the classroom through its regular social gatherings and enrichment events. In September, they visited the Kilbride Nature Sanctuary to learn about its ecological work and enjoy the beautiful setting. Students also got to relax at an outdoor concert as part of the Jazz on the Square series in Knoxville. Other enjoyable events included lunch discussions with Dr. Schutz about the role of photography in the changing history of America and making their own Honors Program branded swag.

Applications for next year’s incoming Honors Program class are now open. Students in the Honors program receive a $1000 scholarship, take special classes team-taught by our Honors faculty, have access to unique perks like funds for study abroad and free printing, and enjoy special extracurricular opportunities like class trips to museums or the opera. Most of all, you would be a part of the Honors community where you can grow and learn alongside other motivated students.

In order to apply, click below. The early admission deadline for the program is December 1; and the final deadline April 30. Space is limited, so apply soon!

Honors Program Application: TWU Honors Program 2026-2027 Application